Portland’s ‘Stars & Stripes Spectacular’ May Not Happen This 4th Of July

Portland's biggest fireworks show is in serious financial trouble and may not go on this year, according to NECN and the Press Herald.

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The annual fireworks show draws about 50,000 Mainers from all over the state who come and watch the 4th of July show which is accompanied by music from the Portland Symphony Orchestra.

July 4th Portland, the non-profit group that puts on the show says they need to raise $70,000 in the next few weeks to make the show happen. Last month the group said they don't have enough money to hire the PSO, and now it looks like there may be no fireworks show on the Eastern Prom at all this year.

NECN reports that Portland Mayor Ethan Strimling has asked the city's finance committee to reconsider a line in the budget to give the Stars and Stripes Spectacular $35,000 to pay for fireworks. Strimling said he hopes another group, such as the Chamber of Commerce, can step in and save the event.